Set sail along France's stunning Cote D'Azur from Nice to Marseille

Cote D'Azur

Cote D'Azur Sailing Adventure: Nice to Marseille

Surfing·

Snorkeling·

8 days·Intrepid Travel

Start: Nice

·

End: Marseille

Description

This unique sailing adventure takes you to a side of France few get to see. Explore the exciting portside cities of Nice, Cannes and St Tropez, where glitz, a vibrant culture and lovely beaches await. Then sail to the islands of Ile du Levant, Ile du Porquerolles, Cavalaire-sur-Mer and Port-Cros to experience the beauty of France’s Mediterranean and the Iles d’Hyeres Archipelago. Swim, snorkel ...

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Itinerary

Day 1Nice

Welcome to France and the French Riviera. Your adventure begins today with a welcome meeting at 4 pm, where you’ll meet the skipper and your shipmates. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your skipper.
The first port of call is the local supermarket to buy provisions for your trip as a group. If you have any special dietary requirements, please make sure you notify us at the time of booking so we can accommodate your requests. If arriving early into Nice, take some time to explore. Perhaps stroll along the Promenade des Anglais or discover the Cours Saleya Market in Vieux Nice. While away the hours in a delectable cafe or check out the many museums or beaches the city has to offer. If you have a number of days in Nice before you trip begins, you might like to visit the cliff-top village of Eze, known as 'The Eagles Nest'. Just 10 minutes from Nice, this medieval town is full of art galleries, workshops and restaurants. At the top is a ruined castle commanding one of the most beautiful panoramas on the Cote d'Azur. Alternatively you can visit Grasse, the capital of perfume, or the capital of the Principality of Monaco, Monte Carlo. Spend your first night aboard the boat in Nice before setting sail tomorrow morning.
Notes: The beauty of sailing is that each day is unique and, while we have a destination to reach, if the weather changes or something takes the group’s fancy, we are flexible on the day's itinerary. The itinerary is subject to change and may vary depending on weather and berth availability. Your skipper will make the final call to ensure your safety at all times.

Day 2Cote d’Azur

Cannes
Set sail for the archipelago of the Iles de Lerins, just off the coast of Cannes. Stop by Sainte Marguerite Island, where the Man in the Iron Mask was once held captive. Visit Saint-Honorat Island, sampling wine at a restaurant run by local monks and produced from their own vineyard. This tiny island has been occupied by monks from as early as the 5th century AD. Sail on to the glamorous city of Cannes. Famous for its international film festival, take a tour of the city’s Palais des Festivals and walk down the red carpet. If glitz and glamour isn’t your thing, explore the mountain range of the Massif de I’Esterel and either hike or cycle through forest to the highest point.
St-Tropez
Cast off for St-Tropez. Once a modest fishing village, the city is now a holiday paradise for the rich and famous. Head to Pampelonne Beach for some celebrity spotting, where part of ‘And God Created Woman’ was filmed. All of the beaches have toilets, change rooms and sun chairs for hire, or take to the water and try your hand at paddle-boarding. Wander around the old fishing quarter of La Ponche to get a feel of what St-Tropez used to be like, or stretch your legs along the city’s coastal trails. St-Tropez comes alive at night. If you’re thinking of heading to one of the many bars, restaurant or clubs make sure you have the appropriate clothes, as mere shorts and sandals won’t cut it here.
Cavalaire-sur-Mer
Less known and more modest than its neighbours along the Cote d'Azur, the charming seaside town of Cavalaire-sur-Mer offers 3 kilometres of white sandy beach where you can swim, snorkel or simply relax. Perhaps take a walk along coastal paths to quieter beaches or wander through wooded parklands along the Fenouillet path. In the evening, do as the locals do and feast on a ‘plateau de fruits de mer’ (fresh seafood platter) at a restaurant on the harbour.
Iles d’Hyeres Archipelago
Due to strict environmental protection laws, the Iles d’Hyeres (or Islands of Gold) boast a unique natural beauty. Head to Ile de Port-Cros. The smallest island in the archipelago has a big history, from the establishment of a monastery in the 5th century to raids by Barbary pirates in the 16th century, the founding of an artists’ colony after WWI and the ‘Battle of Port Cros’ during WWII. Rich in flora and fauna, in 1963 it became France’s first marine national park. There are no automobiles on Port-Cros, so walk along trails through unspoiled pine forests and snorkel in the clear waters surrounding the island. You'll also visit the largest island in the archipelago, Porquerolles, which is also a national park. Automobiles and smoking have also been banned on Porquerolles. The best way to explore the island is to hire a bike and take one of the well-marked trails out through ancient oak forests and fruit orchards. Alternatively, you may prefer to relax on the white sandy beaches to the north of the island.

Day 8Marseille

After breakfast today disembark the yacht by 10 am and transfer to a hotel in Marseille. This is where your sailing adventure comes to an end. If you’re flying out today, please don’t book a flight before 4 pm in case we’re delayed due to weather conditions. If you choose to stay on in Marseille, France's oldest city, there’s plenty to see and do. Perhaps hike up to the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde for spectacular views over the city at sunset. One of Europe's most important ports, Marseille is a dazzling fusion of cultures, with souq-style bazaars appearing alongside Provence produce stalls and local artisan shops. Don't leave without slurping down a bowl of bouillabaisse, the local fish stew.

More info

Last modified (date)

27 Nov 2018

Trip title

Cote D'Azur Sailing Adventure: Nice to Marseille

Trip code

ASRN

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2018 to 31 Dec 2019

Introduction

This unique sailing adventure takes you to a side of France few get to see. Explore the exciting portside cities of Nice, Cannes and St Tropez, where glitz, a vibrant culture and lovely beaches await. Then sail to the islands of Ile du Levant, Ile du Porquerolles, Cavalaire-sur-Mer and Port-Cros to experience the beauty of France’s Mediterranean and the Iles d’Hyeres Archipelago. Swim, snorkel and... Read more

Style

Original

Themes

Sailing

Transport

Boat

Physical Rating

2

Physical preparation

We don't ask travellers to complete a physical participation form for this trip however we do ask you read through the trip notes carefully to ensure that this trip is the right trip for you. This applies to the included activities and moving around the boat. The cabins and communal areas of the boat are spread over 2 decks. The steps between the decks are steep

Joining point

Place de I'lle de Beaute (Notre-Dame du Port)

Joining point description

Place de I'lle de Beaute overlooks the Port of Nice and is the meeting point for our Cote d'Azur Sailing Adventure commencing in Nice.

Joining point instructions

Please make your way to the joining point by 4pm on day 1 of the trip.
If you are arriving in Nice at Gare de Nice Ville rail station you'll need to walk east along Avenue Thiers for 5 minutes until you reach the corner of Avenue Thiers and Avenue Jean Medecin and Gare Thiers tram stop. You then take the T1 line towards Hopital Pasteur, disembarking at Garibaldi [the 5th stop from Gare Thiers]. ... Read more

Finish point

Holiday Inn Express Marseille Saint Charles

Finish point instructions

From the Holiday Inn Express you can take a taxi to Marseille Airport, which will take approximately 25 minutes. A one way fare ranges from approximately €40 - €55.
Buses depart from Marseille St-Charles every 20 minutes to the airport, which takes approximately 30 minutes, costing €9 - €14.

Group leader

On this trip you will be accompanied by one of our skippers. Your skipper's role involves taking charge of the sailing, the safety of the vessel and safety for all passengers on board. Skippers all hold a Yacht Master Offshore license or higher and have completed an intense training and review process before sailing with us. They are also fully qualified in CPR and First Aid. The aim of the skipp... Read more

Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and upd... Read more

Communications

Please note that our sailing boats do not have Wi-Fi. You will be getting off the boat and visiting towns regularly so you will be able to connect with the outside world then.

Visas

Passport:
Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months' validity remaining. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or frie... Read more

Why we love it

Live the life of a champagne jetsetter on a sparkling wine budget as you tour the islands and coastal towns of the famous Cote d’Azur, soaking up the relaxation and flexibility of life aboard a yacht

Is this trip right for you

As the majority of this trip takes place on a sailing boat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel, including the use of stairs. With that said, sea legs come naturally to some but not so much for others. Your friendly crew will be able to help with the effects of sea sickness if needed.
A zodiac is used to transport passengers from the boat to the mainland, with landings ta... Read more

Health

All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themsel... Read more

Food and dietary requirements

The amazing food on offer is one of the highlights of any trip in Europe. To make the most of this we’ve structured our meal arrangements to provide both flexibility and variety.
For most dinners and some lunches we will moored in a port or marina near meaning that the group will have a choice of on-land eating options available. We find our group often eat together however you have the freed... Read more

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY:
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need. Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so ... Read more

What to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you won't be required to walk long distances with it (max 30 minutes).
Many travellers carry their luggage in a bac... Read more

Climate and seasonal

SUMMER
Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
SHOULDER SEASON
In contrast, weather in shoulder season can be unpredictable, and snow is not unheard of at higher alt... Read more

A couple of rules

Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. We don’t tolerate any form of violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between customers or involving our leaders, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a customer are strictly forbidden.
Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. If you choose to consume alcohol... Read more

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers.
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

CRISIS AND EMERGENCIES:
Please note that the operations for all of our sailing trips, across all regions, is based in Thailand. In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency please contact Intrepid's sailing operator in Thailand on: +66 (0) 89 810 3722 which is a 24 hour number. If you are unable to reach anyone on this number, please contact Intrepid's sailing operations manager on: +351 960 295 ... Read more

Responsible travel

We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please visit our website for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller.
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/rt/responsible... Read more

The Intrepid Foundation

Help us change thousands of lives by creating meaningful work and supporting skills training in communities around the world.
The Intrepid Foundation is the not-for-profit for Intrepid Group. We work with local organisations around the world to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable individuals and communities through sustainable travel experiences. With our travellers’ help, we’ve contributed mo... Read more

Accommodation notes

This trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of between 50ft to 52ft. A typical yacht for 9 travellers is equipped with 5 twin/double share cabins, 2/3 shared bathrooms and 2 showers. Our boats are real yachts and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible.
Rooms are allocated... Read more

Transport notes

This is a sailing adventure so our time is spent on board a monohull yacht. You may be asked to assist on-deck, particularly when coming into or leaving port. No experience is necessary, but getting to know some 'sailing language' might help to get you into the spirit of the adventure.
Port - left
Starboard - right
Bow - front of the boat
Stern - rear of the boat
Deck - outside, upper area of the... Read more

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and th... Read more

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit... Read more

Itinerary disclaimer

Occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. The information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It's very important that you print and review a final copy of your Essential Trip Information a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes th... Read more

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